In Pictures: Ferguson protests heat up

A young protester across the street from the Ferguson Police Department in the early hours of the evening.

Ferguson, United States - Tuesday night's protest began peacefully as a group of about 70 protesters gathered in front of the Ferguson Police Department, but it slowly turned violent as people at the back began to hurl firecrackers and other objects at the officers.

National Guard members remained inside the police compound early in the night as the police detained protesters at the onset of violence in an attempt to curb any other incidents. Protesters were pulled out one by one as they were singled out by police flashlights until the crowd began marching north on South Florissant road.

Chanting, "We wanted answers," they made their way to Ferguson's City Hall, where they proceeded to kick the door, throw bricks at the windows, and tip a police car on its side, after which one protester lit it on fire.

Armed officers cleared the area using tear gas, and most of the protesters left after the incident at City Hall as police warned them and the media that they had illegally assembled and needed to disperse.

A smaller number regrouped at the police station, resulting in a few additional smaller confrontations later that night. St Louis county Police Chief Jon Belmar estimated there were 44 arrests.

National Guard members inside the barricaded police compound.

Garland March, 25, a member of the clergy that attempted to keep protests peaceful, raises his hands as protesters chant (***)Hands up, don(***)t shoot(***) outside the Ferguson Police Department.

Protesters outside the Ferguson Police Department.

A protester is detained after the first spurt of violence during Tuesday night(***)s protest.

Police form a line in an attempt to keep protesters out of the road.

National Guard stand at the ready with a Ferguson police officers.

Protesters march down South Florissant road as a police helicopter spotlights them.

Protesters near City Hall as they marched down South Florissant road.

A demonstrator draped in an American flag walks towards City Hall.

Protesters chant outside City Hall.

A policeman puts out a fire in a police car outside of City Hall.

Officers tell protesters to get to the sidewalk as tear gas is fired.

Armoured trucks closed down part of South Florissant road. The police told protesters to disperse after they damaged a police car and some of City Hall(***)s windows.

A media member receives treatment to help relieve his discomfort from the tear gas.